Arena Ice launch new LED technology at Van Hage

By Chris Luther / December 1, 2015.

Arena Ice launched new innovative under-ice LED technology at Van Hage rink in Great Amwell, 12th November - 4th January 2016.

Arena Ice installed an LED rope light system under the ice, positioned to spell out the letters V and H spanning the size of the rink. The LEDs perfectly match the LED batons fitted to the lighting tower trusses on the rink itself. Under hand rail LEDs have also been installed to illuminate the perimeter of the rink.

LED lighting is a low energy, low temperature technology, compatible with maintaining low temperatures for ice rinks. Digital control means colour changes and moving dynamics can be added.

Van Hage entrusted the installation of their real ice rink for the third time to Arena Ice, a pivotal attraction to encourage additional footfall from local festive shoppers.

Arena Ice designed and built a 30m x 22.5m ice rink, incorporated into a fully heated 30m x 55m temporary marquee so the rink is undercover, allowing skaters to enjoy the facilities in any weather. In addition to the rink itself, a 15m x 5m entrance way has been installed, plus a 5m x 30m skate exchange structure and a 30m x 15m café to drive additional revenue for the venue.

Ian Moynes, Arena Ice project manager explains: “We are delighted to supply new LED technology to our venues, offering exclusivity for its launch to the Van Hage rink. The under-ice LED lights will offer visitors an exciting new skating experience, which we hope to expand to more of our rinks in the future.

“The under ice LEDs were met with a great reaction and I saw first-hand the public’s interest in the new lights. Many of the skaters spent quite some time following the new shapes made by the LEDs.”

Darren Hunt, general manager of Van Hage said, “We have previously been in partnership with Arena Ice for our ice rink, which has now become one of the busiest ice rinks outside of central London seeing over 90,000 visitors over the festive period. This year we decided to take our eighth ice rink to a new level and we could not think of a better partner to guide us through to delivering new heights of service and the customer experience.

“Starting at a blank piece of paper to a completed event and beyond, we have been delighted with the service, quality and support offered to us as the customer. Any project of this size will without question will throw up a number of challenges - all of which the Arena Ice team have overcome without fuss and with clear communication. We regard our ongoing relationship with Arena a key part of our team and success.”